Paris vs London: Croissant or full Irish?
Paris is classically romantic: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, café culture, everything within walking distance. London is a world city with free museums, West End theatre and cosmopolitan diversity.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Paris for icons, museums and romance. Choose London for world-city energy and free top museums. Flights from the Netherlands take about 1 hour 20 to Paris and about 1 hour to London. On price, Paris is a little cheaper. For a first visit most travellers pick Paris.
Paris
Paris remains the most visited city in the world: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and cafés on every corner. Cheaper than you think if you plan smart.
Flight from NL: €60 return
View Paris →London
London is a world capital squared: free top museums (British, Tate, Natural History), iconic red buses, pubs and the most diverse cuisine in Europe.
Flight from NL: €55 return
View London →Paris vs London at a glance
| Paris | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €60 return | €55 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 1 hour 20 | about 1 hour |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | World-class | World-class |
| Nightlife | Lively | Lively |
| Winter weather | Cool | Cool |
| Best months | April, May, June, September, October | May, June, July, September |
| Ideal length | 4 days | 4 days |
| Price level | €€€ | €€€€ |
Paris and London are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Paris is known for icons, museums and romance, while London is about world-city energy and free top museums. On price, Paris is a little cheaper. Paris ideally needs 4 days, while you can see London well in 4 days. The best months are April, May, June, September, October for Paris and May, June, July, September for London. Want to combine them: The Eurostar runs in about 2 hours 20 city centre to city centre, the easiest combo there is. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Paris
April to June and September to October: 15-22 degrees, shorter queues at the museums. Avoid July/August (hot, the Parisians themselves away, some restaurants closed). December for Christmas markets and romance.
London
May to September: 15-22 degrees, long days. December for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Avoid January/February (dark and grey).
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Paris
Directly from Schiphol to Paris CDG (CDG) in 1 hour 20 minutes. KLM, Air France. RER B to the centre €11 in 35 minutes. Alternative: Thalys train €60-100 in 3 hours 20.
London
Directly from Schiphol to Heathrow (LHR) in 1 hour 5 minutes. KLM, BA, easyJet. Piccadilly Line metro to the centre €5 in 60 minutes. Alternative: Eurostar via Brussels.
Costs compared
Paris
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €100 to 160, vacation rentals €110 per night. Food: croissant €1.50, lunch boulangerie €8, dinner brasserie €25 to 40, coffee €4.
London
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €130 to 200, vacation rentals €130 per night. Food: meal deal €5, pub-lunch €12, dinner restaurant €25 to 40, pint £6.
Who is it for?
Choose Paris if you are...
Honeymooning couples, museum traditionalists, fashion fans, foodies (boulangerie).
Choose London if you are...
Theatre lovers, budget museum fans (all free!), English speakers, anyone after a multicultural vibe.
Our verdict
Paris is cheaper for dinner (the Louvre €22 vs the Tate free makes London sometimes better value). Eurostar between the two: 2.5 hours.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Paris or London
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.